FORWARD (Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development) is the leading African women-led organisation working on female genital mutilation, child marriage and other forms of violence against women and girls in the UK and Africa. For over 30 years they have been committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of African girls and women. They do this through community engagement, women’s empowerment, training of professionals, research, and international advocacy.

Vision:

A day when African girls and women will live in dignity, are healthy, have choices and enjoy equal rights free from fear of gender violence.

Mission:

To end gender based violence (GBV), in particular female genital mutilation, child marriage and related health rights issues affecting African girls and women

To increase access for at risk and affected girls and women to specialist support services, skills and livelihood opportunities

To educate and engage policy makers, communities and the public to advocate for social change and advancement of rights

To strengthen voices of African Diaspora women in policy processes and development

To improve capacity and sustainability of partner organisations

Core Values

FORWARD believes that:

• Protection of women and girls’ rights and dignity are non-negotiable
• Girls and women’s voices, needs and experiences should inform all their work
• Participation of girls, boys, women, men and community leaders promotes equity and ownership
• Provision of safe spaces and specialist services for girls and women should be central to programmes
• Partnerships and alliance building with civil society and community organisations, donor agencies and governments creates synergy and accelerates change

Goals

• End gender based violence in particular female genital mutilation, child marriage and related rights violations
• Increase access to specialist and support services; rights education and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable girls and women
• Improve capacity and sustainability of partners
• Strengthen networking and policy engagement of African Diaspora women

Registered charity number: 292403